Friday, February 3, 2017

We have just reached the end of an absolutely incredible month in Manchester. This last blog post is an homage to the lovely people I just spent a month with and our experiences of the city. Each member of the group has selected their favorite photo from the trip and has included a small blurb about their favorite experience. I hope you enjoy seeing the city of Manchester (and the surrounding areas) through eyes other than my own.

Madeline:

St. Peter's Church (Liverpool)

I really loved the atmosphere of St. Peter's Church. The day was really overcast and somber, but you could tell that the people buried in the cemetery were well loved. As we were walking around the graveyard our tour guide played "Eleanor Rigby" (which happens to be my favorite Beatles song). It was really amazing to experience the places that I have heard about growing up.

Kait:

Cavern Club (Liverpool)

Visiting the Cavern Club in Liverpool has always been at the top of my bucket list. I grew up listening to the Beatles so I've almost felt a spiritual obligation to see where they began. The feeling of history stacked upon childhood nostalgia was indescribable. I stayed in Liverpool an extra day to further soak it all in and ended up seeing a Beatles tribute band perform at the Cavern. Long story short, tears were shed.

Matthew:

Quarry Bank Mill (Manchester)

Quarry Bank Mill was a beautiful place. This is one of my favorite shots from that day. I don't really have a story behind it, but I would point out the stark contrast in scenery between this and what a city factory would be.

Fiona:

Cavern Club (Liverpool)

Anna:

Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)

To me, this picture represents this J Term the best. I have always wanted to go to Ireland and see the cliffs, PLU has allowed me to do that, and with people who I will share these experiences with forever. This month has provided me with so many opportunities to see the world through the scope of the classroom, but also as a tourist. I feel that this month has helped me grow so much as a student and as a traveler.

Emma:

Eleanor Rigby Statue (Liverpool)

I did not choose this picture for its quality or my love for "Eleanor Rigby" , but because of its sadly poetic nature. Here we see a homeless person (I cropped out their face for privacy) sleeping next to a statue dedicated to "all the lonely people." When faced with a subject such as living conditions during the Industrial Revolution, it is understandably easy to think "well that was then." But it is also now. True, we have come a long way, but we are far from perfect. This picture is a reminder that while society has progressed and developed great things like rock bands, it is essential that we look out for all members of our society as we continue to progress.

Erin:

Temple of Apollo (Greece)

Katie and I were so jealous of the Greece trip that we decided to stay an extra week and visit the tempe of Apollo in Delphi, Greece.

Katie:

Amsterdam

Erin and I booked one night in Amsterdam and we bought spur of the moment tickets to Drake. Needless to say it was one of the best nights of our lives, and Amsterdam ended up being our favorite place out of everywhere we traveled this month.

Hailei:

Edinburgh, Scotland

I chose this picture because it represents how much I broke out of my comfort zone. I like everything to be scheduled and hardly like surprises. However, this trip to Edinburgh, Scotland was also one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and I will keep the 24 hours of memories that it gave me for a lifetime.

Tyler:

Quarry Bank Mill

Quarry Bank, 10/10, would recommend.

Kyler:

Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany

Crazy adventures, stressful times, 100% worth it.

Kristen:

The Louvre (Paris)

I chose a picture of the Louvre because I was able to see some of the original paintings and sculptures that I have studied in classrooms. I was nearly in tears of joy standing in front of my favorite paintings "St. George and the dragon" by Raphael, its one thing to see a picture of it but to actually see the original and see the 3D depths of the brush strokes was absolutely astonishing. I felt unbelievably blessed to be able to see the magnificent pieces of art that not everyone has the privilege to see!

Denis:

Manchester

I love this picture because (not only was it my birthday) but I love how close our group became and how cognizant we all were of each other. I also like this picture because the selfie game was very strong while studying in Manchester and now I am able to look back and not just experience what I did myself but see all these people who I got to experience Europe with.

About Me

Hello! I am an English and Global Studies double major at Pacific Lutheran University. I am going to be studying away in England twice in the next two years and wanted a spot to keep my friends and family up to date on my adventures. I hope you enjoy!